Pair take on three peaks challenge to support Jasmine

Kev Powell, who is planning to climb the Three Peaks along with Andrew Parkes in 24 hours to raise cash to help Jasmine Sanderson, also pictured

Published:12:52Monday 11 June 2012

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TWO adventurous fundraisers are set to hit the heights to support a town youngster suffering from a rare bone disorder.

Andrew Parkes and Kev Powell are taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge in September to raise money to continue promising research into Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP).

Andrew’s cousin’s daughter Jasmine Sanderson was just 19-months-old when she was diagnosed with the condition, which affects just one in two million people.

The challenge sees people climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in just 24 hours, with the combined ascents of Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon totalling a gruelling 10,000ft.

Jasmine’s mum, Kelly, 33, said: “I’m over the moon that Andrew and Kev are doing this.

“I’m worried for them because it won’t be easy, so they deserve to get lots of support.”

Jasmine’s rare condition causes bones to grow over tendons, ligaments, joints and muscles and the growths can lock into place at any point.

It appeared there could be light at the end of the tunnel as medics revealed they were just two years away from a clinical drugs trial, but funds have now run out.

The race is now on to find £120,000 by February next year to continue to fund the research.

The loving family of Jasmine, from the King Oswy area of town, along with families of a handful of other sufferers in the country are organising fundraisers to raise the amount in the coming months.

Andrew and Kev have started training for their adventure that begins at 8pm on Friday, September 7, and Kev has even given up smoking so he’s ready for the challenge.

Jasmine’s mum and dad, Ian, 38, as well as family and friends, have already carried out a host of fundraisers, including walking up Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s monument, in North Yorkshire, on Easter Sunday.

It is a big task for the families to raise £120,000 as the most raised in one year before now is £36,000.

Kelly, a full-time childminder who is also mum of Sienna, seven, said: “It’s a really rare condition and we are finding it hard to raise the money.

“We have about £30,000 now but there’s a lot more planned in the coming months.”